Ban on all cellphone use while driving proposed

Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board proposed a nationwide ban on all cellphone and other portable electronics use while driving. According to a survey it conducted of 6000 Americans, a fifth admitted to have texted or emailed while behind the wheel.

The rise in fatal accidents caused by distracted drivers has raised concerns for many. The board cites a deadly accident that occurred last year in Missouri when a teenage driver received almost a dozen text messages in as many minutes just before causing a multi-car pileup. He died along with a 15 year-old.

NTSB does not have the power to enforce this ban, but its recommendations are significant to congressional and state lawmakers as well as federal regulators.